February 3/4, 2015 Setsubun (Bean Throwing Festival)Nationwide, JapanSetsubun is the day preceding risshun that is the first day of spring according to the old Japanese calendar, or the so-called lunar calendar. On the day of Setsubun, there is the custom of throwing roasted soybeans while chanting "In with Fortune! Out with Evil" in order to prevent evil ogres from entering one's house. It is believed that the ogres are warded off by throwing beans, and that good fortune will then come to one's home. On this day, events with entertainers and athletes are held at shrines all over the country. According to Japanese tradition, if you eat the same number of beans as your age, you will enjoy a year of good health.

February 10-12, 2015 Supermarket Trade ShowTokyo, Japan49th international food and beverage show for supermarkets.

February 17-20, 2015 Hachinohe EnburiHachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, JapanDancing and praying for a rich harvest. A dance expressing farm work to signal the arrival of the northern spring.

February 18-21, 2015 Mobac Show 2015 - Tokyo, Japan24th show for machinery, materials and marketing of bakery and confectionery.

May 11-Oct 15, 2014 Ukai (Cormorant Fishing)Minato-machi, Gifu Prefecture, JapanUkai is a traditional method of catching small Japanese trout by manipulating seabirds called u (cormorants) in the Nagaragawa River

June 14, 2014 Otaue Rice Planting FestivalSumiyoshi, Osaka City, JapanThe Japanese lifestyle and rice cultivation are deeply associated with one another. Of particular significance is the process known as taue in which rice seedlings growing in the nursery are replanted in the paddy fields. Although events associated with this rice planting can be found all over our country, the festival at the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is unique for its reproduction of the rituals in faithful observance of ancient procedures in such a grand ceremonial style.